• 17 Sep 2024

Pitru Paksha

Why in News?

Pitru Paksha, also known as Shraddha, is a significant period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to paying homage to one’s ancestors.

• In 2024, Pitru Paksha will commence on September 17 and conclude on October 2 with Mahalaya or Sarva Pitru Amavasya.

Key Points

• Pitru Paksha holds deep spiritual and religious importance in Hinduism. It is believed that during this period, the souls of deceased ancestors descend to Earth to receive offerings from their living descendants.
  • This time is considered sacred for performing rituals to alleviate Pitru Dosha, which signifies ancestral debt.
• Rituals and Observances:
  • The rituals performed during Pitru Paksha are known as Shraddha.
  • These rituals are carried out with great devotion and purity to ensure peace for the departed souls and to seek their blessings.
• Key Rituals Include:
  • Holy Bath: The person performing the rituals, usually the eldest son, begins by taking a bath in holy water, symbolizing purity.
  • Offering Food and Clothes: Sattvik food and clothes are offered to Brahmins, who are invited to the home. This act is believed to nourish the souls of the ancestors.
  • Pitru Tarpan: This involves offering water and sesame seeds to the ancestors while reciting specific mantras.
  • Feeding Animals: Feeding cows, dogs, and crows is considered highly auspicious during this period.
• Cultural and Regional Practices
  • Different regions in India have unique ways of observing Pitru Paksha. For instance, the city of Gaya in Bihar is renowned for conducting significant rituals during this period.
  • Many people visit the Ganga Ghats to perform Pitru Tarpan, believing it to be especially meritorious.

Ganga Crosses Warning Mark in Kashi

Why in News?

The Ganga River in Varanasi has surpassed the warning level, causing significant flooding and affecting over 4,000 residents in the region.

• The water level rose to 70.76 meters, surpassing the warning threshold of 70.26 meters; increasing at a rate of 5 cm per hour.

Key Points

• Impact on Residents:
  • Affected Population: A total of 4,461 people have been impacted by the floods. Several low-lying areas in the district are now submerged, forcing residents to use boats for commuting.
  • Relocation: Families from Mokalpur affected by erosion have been relocated to relief camps. Additionally, 1,601 people from 299 families are currently residing in these camps.
• Relief Measures:
  • Flood Relief Camps: The district administration has set up 46 flood relief camps, with 14 currently operational.
    • These camps provide essential supplies such as food, fruits, milk, and drinking water. Medical camps have also been established to offer healthcare services.
  • Rescue Operations: A total of 22 boats have been deployed for rescue operations.
    • Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are actively involved in relief efforts using motorboats.

Ganga River System

• The Ganga originates as Bhagirathi from Gangotri Glacier, Uttarakhand at an elevation of 3,892 m.
• Many small streams comprise the headwaters of the Ganga. The important among these are Alaknanda, Dhauliganga, Pindar, Mandakini and Bhilangana.
  • At Devprayag, where Alaknanda joins Bhagirathi, the river acquires the name Ganga. It traverses 2525 km before flowing into the Bay of Bengal.
• The Ganga is formed from the 6 headstreams and their five confluences.
  • Devprayag: Confluence of Bhagirathi river and Alaknanda river.
  • Rudraprayag: Confluence of Mandakini river and Alaknanda river.
  • Nandaprayag: Confluence of Nandakini river and Alaknanda river.
  • Karnaprayag: Confluence of Pindar river and Alaknanda river.
  • Vishnuprayag: Confluence of Dhauliganga river and Alaknanda river.
• The Bhagirathi, considered to be the source stream, rises at the foot of Gangotri Glacier, at Gaumukh. It finally empties into the Bay of Bengal.
• Major Tributaries of the Ganga River:
  • Left Bank Tributaries: Ramganga, Gomti, Ghaghara, Gandak, Burhi Gandak, Koshi, Mahananda.
  • Right Bank Tributaries: Yamuna, Tons, Karamnasa, Sone, Punpun, Falgu, Kiul, Chandan, Ajoy, Damodar, Rupnarayan.
• The Ganges River flows through 28 districts in Uttar Pradesh, entering the state from Bijnor. It traverses approximately 1140 kilometers within Uttar Pradesh before merging with the Yamuna at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj.

CM Dhami Announces Major Subsidies and Projects

Why in News?

Recently, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced several initiatives for the state on his birthday.

Key Points

• Development Projects: He inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for various development projects aimed at improving infrastructure and public services.
  • The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand announced a 50% subsidy on electricity for consumers using up to 100 and 200 units.
  • Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), 101 beneficiaries of the Lakshmi Housing Scheme in Shikarpur, Roorkee, Haridwar, were handed possession letters and keys to their new homes.
• Public Welfare Schemes: New public welfare schemes were introduced to benefit the residents of Uttarakhand.
  • He inaugurated five ADB-funded power projects, including GIS substations and transmission lines in various regions under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban

• About:
  • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) falls under the Government’s mission - Housing for All by 2022 for urban housing being implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
  • It makes home loans affordable for the urban poor by providing a subsidy on the Interest Rate of a home loan during repayment by way of EMI (Equated Monthly Installments).
• Beneficiaries:
  • The Mission addresses urban housing shortage among the EWS/LIG and MIG categories including the slum dwellers.
  • Economically Weaker Section (EWS) with a maximum annual family income of Rs. 3,00,000.
  • Low Income Group (LIG) with maximum annual family income of Rs. 6,00,000.
  • Middle Income Groups (MIG I & II) with a maximum annual family income of Rs. 18,00,000.
  • A beneficiary family will comprise husband, wife, unmarried sons and/or unmarried daughters.

Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Election

Why in News?

The first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Election 2024 is set to take place on 18 September 2024, with extensive preparations and heightened security measures in place to ensure a smooth and fair voting process.

Key Details:

• Polling Constituencies:
  • Voting will occur in 24 constituencies during this first phase.
  • 16 constituencies are located in southern Kashmir, and 8 constituencies are in the Jammu division.
• Security Arrangements:
  • Multi-tier security arrangements have been implemented to maintain order and safety during the elections.
  • This includes increased deployment of security personnel at polling booths and strategic locations.
• Election Phases:
  • The election will be conducted in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 12.
  • The second phase will cover 26 constituencies, including districts like Srinagar, Poonch, and Rajouri.
  • The final phase will involve 40 constituencies, including Bandipora, Baramulla, and Jammu.

What is Delimitation?

• About:
  • Delimitation means the act or process of fixing limits or boundaries of territorial constituencies in a country or a province having a legislative body.
  • The Delimitation Commission Act was enacted in 1952.
    • The Delimitation Commission is appointed by the President of India and works in collaboration with the Election Commission of India (ECI).
  • Delimitation Commissions have been set up four times 1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002 under the Acts of 1952, 1962, 1972 and 2002.
  • The first delimitation exercise was carried out by the President (with the help of the Election Commission) in 1950-51.

Ceiling Limit Expiry: A Major Concern for Ration Card Holders

Why in News?

Recently, in a significant development, the ceiling limit for ration card holders in Chittorgarh has expired, causing concern among beneficiaries who rely on subsidised food grains and other essentials.

Key Points

• Impact on Entitlements: The expiration of the ceiling limit means that the amount of ration or the type of commodities ration card holders are entitled to may change. This could lead to a reduction in the quantity of subsidized goods available to families.
• Renewal and Updates: Ration card holders may now be required to renew their cards or update their information to continue receiving benefits. This process could involve submitting new documentation or verifying existing details.
• Policy Changes: The government may introduce new policies or guidelines affecting how ration cards are managed and distributed. These changes could aim to streamline the process or address issues of misuse and fraud.

Rajasthan Ration Card, 2024

• A ration card is a government document that allows cardholders to obtain food items such as wheat, rice, sugar, and kerosene at very low prices from government ration shops each month.
  • The government issues ration cards to provide affordable ration to poor families in the state. Any middle or lower-income family in the state can apply for a ration card.
• Types of Ration Cards in Rajasthan: Based on the income and economic condition of poor families, the government issues three types of ration cards.
  • BPL Ration Card: The BPL (Below Poverty Line) ration card is issued to families living below the poverty line with an annual income of less than ₹10,000. With this card, poor families receive 25 kilograms of subsidised ration each month.
  • APL Ration Card: The APL (Above Poverty Line) ration card is provided to families living above the poverty line with an annual income of more than ₹10,000. These families receive 15 kilograms of grain each month.
  • AAY Ration Card: The AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) ration card is issued to the extremely poor families with no income sources. Families with this card can obtain up to 35 kilograms of grain each month from government ration shops.